The Dallas Post | ot W. Johnson You see them almost every- where: gangs of kids on the cor- ner, or in the malls, of virtually every town and city in America. Andby their presence, telling pass- ersby: “we're here and this is who we are,” even when it's obvious mast of them haven't a clue about identity or direction. In short, they lack focus. i { - @® ¢ Every school also has these kids, usually led by a particularly mean-spirited boy. All of this hit home recently after the following observation from my daughter....who attends school'in another state. *Dad... JI just can't believe it. This is so wrong." Ste was telling me about her firstexposure to the politics of our educational system specifically, and tot our judicial system in gen- eral. ‘Briefly put, idealism found hef indignant thata group ofjuve- nile’delinquents had ‘beaten up’ ' some’of her classmates. The indignation was that this wasn't the first time the leader of this particular group of kids had been in trouble; more to the point, that both the judicial and school systems were hard pressed to do much about it, given our society's current. perception that anyone whodoes somthing wrong is some- how a ‘victim’; therefore, the young, mean-spirited child who found .it appropriate to pound upon his classmates is not re- sponsible for his acts. And par- ents’ of the real victims have the ironic responsibility then to pay for the perpetrator’s continued presence in the school system. Where do these aberrants origi- nate? : "Some originate in the reality that each generation produces a small number of persons who can- not, or will not, join the rest of us in civilized behavior. The vast majority, however, re- sult from this culture providing us with too much time, and too much money. Many children to- day have an enormous amount of time on their hands, largely be- LIBRARY NEE “Trains, Trains, Trains” is the ® theme of the current exhibit in the display case in the foyer of the Back Mountain Memorial Library; featuring toy and scale model trains and railroad memorabilia. Shown are HO scale models of a Pennsylvania diesel locomotive and steam engine with assorted freight cars; a Z scale freight train; and a Lionel O gauge train, all the properties of James A. Wert of Shavertown. An actual railroad lantérn and an engineer's cap and neckerchief which once belonged tothe collector's uncle can alsobe seen with the display. The display includes a book, “The Portrait of the, Rails” by Don Ball, Jr., [rom steam to diesel; collectible coast- ers from various railroads and routes; a train station and a tun- nel. Special engines included are @ the GG-1 electric engine, The 00) 11 CSTR VAC (SL RB Fd i141 TL at the C.B. SCOTT Display during the 1996 Builders' Home Show ICE-A-RAMA, Coal Street, Wilkes-Barre 0a Lo CTD 0 0 Lo = AE\Y E:B fof o Bb22 2 TRS 10 JRC J § .. Factory representatives will be on hand to guide and advise you. Design and layout service available. Friday Saturda Despite shortcomings, we remain nation of law cause of modern conveniences, and for the rest, a guarantee of some sort of government assis- tance, thus removing economic incentive, i.e., as oflast year, more than 50 percent of the entire na- tion receives government subsidy in one form or another. More time on their hands, coupled with a belief that an auto- mobile is now a ‘right’ not a privi- lege, along with expectations of excitement fueled by television, movies and advertising, mixed with the traditional rites of pas- sage, and you now find the self- proclaimed turf owners roaming the streets and school hallways of America with little thought to to- morrow, or even fewer thoughts about being responsible for and to today. It is our job as parents and as communities to recognize that children require focus and to put time and money into alternatives which provide focus. It's true there are already many such ac- tivities in which many people al- ready put time and money. It's also true that you can't make a horse drink if it refuses. Perhaps that speaks more lo the point; that you won't find many among the so-called kids from traditional families among the street kids; rather, that the street kids are led by those not content with the traditional. Historically, it is from just such aberrants that many of our eventually best and brightest have emerged. Lest we forget our own roam- ing, biological fires and quests for individuality, the trick for each generation is to keep both the traditional and the aberrants safe and sound through the rites of passage. Therein lies the mea- sure of a community, and a mea- sure of the nation itself. My daughter wants at least the leader in this incident to be per- manently removed from the school system...not a bad idea. And I'm sure that some her classmates want to do more than that; in- deed, seek an eye [or eye kind of justice. I urge her and them to remem- ber why and how this nation came to be. In 1987, we celebrated the 200th birthday of its Constitu- tion. Long speeches and schol- All aboard for Pennsylvania 4866; 1948 Santa FeF3 diesel engine; and the #400E Blue Comet, all by Lionel. On top of the case with the lantern is a box car, the Lackawanna, DL7W; the route of the Phoebe Snow. A slogan with the display: “Old railfans never die....they just get sidetracked." It is hoped that this exhibit wil be fascinating to chil- dren and nostalgic to adults who remember when the sight and sound of a train were once com- mon in our land. This display willl be at the library until April 17th. New children's books at the library: “Charlie Anderson” by Barbara Abercrombie is the story of Elizabeth and Sarah and their mother, who have taken in a stray cat named Charlie. “Piggie Pie!" by Margie Palantini is about a witch named Gritch the Witch who is grouchy, grumpy and very hungry for something really special, and that means “Piggie Pie!” “I Know an Old Lady” by G. Brian Karas is the special tale of the lady who swallowed the fly. The illustrations are as outland- arly tomes marked the passing of this event. But what did it really mean? And what meaning does it have today...some history. In 1976, we celebrated our bi- centennial as a member of the earth colony of nations. Also in 1976, many were still mourning those lost in Vietnam. Some didn't want to hear about it then; some still don't want to hear about it. However, and while I disagreed with (but served during) the Viet- nam debacle, a nation which holds constitutional synmbols forth as a foundation—then predicates its daily activities on a body of laws subservient to that constitution— that same nation then must insist upon personal beliefs and desires being subservient to the will of the majority as that majority is able to effect change within constitutional limitations. That is what, in fact, occurred: the people ended the Vietnam war. Through itall; the tearing apart of the nation caused by the Viet- nam conflict; and later, the crisis created by a flawed Richard Nixon, the Constitution remained, a stronger symbol and set of stan- dards for having survived these onslaughts. It was that symbol we celebrated in 1987; that symbol given breath by the Declaration of Indepen- dence; given a strong, healthy body by the Constitution itself; and given eternal nourishment by the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments. You could argue (and perhaps effectively) that the many young men who died so in vain. That is the wrong quesion. To the point: we are either of nation of laws—predicated upon constitutional principles—or we are not. I believe we are and that we should forever remain, a nation of constitutionally-based law. Else we can turn the nation over to the zealots, special inter- ests of every stripe, and those who want to take the law into their own hands....we can give up the right to choose, believe, speak freely, be heard, and effect change. Because then we would also be giving up the opportunity to live and be better than the wolves we would surely become. new exhibit ish as the old lady's tremendous appetite! “Ranger Rick's Dinosaur Book™” is a beautiful book that includes all phases of the dinosaurs; the time of the giants, seasons of change, and uncovering the past. “Anno’'s Magic Seeds” by Mitsuma Anno begins with magic when a wizard gives Jack two mysterious golden seeds. He eats one and isn't hungry again for a whole year! “Mr. Putter and Tabby Bake the Cake” by Cynthia Rylant hap- pens at Christmastime. Tabby is a cat ahd he and Mr. Putter are thinking of what to give their neighbor Mrs. Teaberry. “Dog Friday” by Hilary McKay si about ten year old Robin Bro- gan who meets the new family next door and suspects his life will never be the same again _and he's right. “Oliver and Amanda and the Big Snow” by Jean Vanleeuwen tel, Is of the big snow that is packed with surprises, fun and challenges for both frother and sister! A snow fort! ; ~/NMBIANCE | Landscape Lighting Systems by G88 gull [1 my Low voltage landscape lighting you can install yourself! | Safe, shock-free, 12-volt system, - 3+ same as used in children’s toys. a / \ i June TRAC 12 ; Versatile, modular Trac system — simple to use and easy to install. e— Pcs Scott Electric Supply ' ‘395 Coal Street, Wilkes-Barre Phone: 824-9812 7%. LEVITON ELECTRONIC CONTROLS Manual, remote and programmable controls; 3-way switching without 3-way wiring. = ONLY YESTERDAY 60 Years Ago - April 3, 1936 HUNTSVILLE DAM WITHSTANDS FLOOD Huntsville Dam withstood the strain of recent high water staunchly and is in splendid con- dition, according to the Water and Power Resources Board of the De- partment of Forests and Waters, which this week completed a sur- vey of important dams in Penn- sylvania. The inspection of the local dam was ordered because of apprehension in some sections regarding the safety of all dams after the high water. The Public Service Commission was asked this week to approve incorporation of Hillcrest Water Co. to supply water to homes on Mt. Airy Terrace in Kingston Town- ship. The request was made by Harry F. Goeringer, Herbert N. Stark and Fred W. Malkemes. Par value of capital stock would be $5,000 the Commission was told. 50 Years Ago - April 5, 1946 DALLAS CORNERS TO GET NEW TRAFFIC LITES Delayed for some time before it could locate a third director to make a quorum, Dallas Township School Board Monday night ap- proved a new budget for posting in preparation for final adoption at the May 6 meeting. The new budget calls for receipts and ex- penditures amounting to $78,104. Only seven copies of The Dallas Post from 1941-1944 are now missing from the files to be bound and presented to the Back Moun- tain Memorial Library in the near future. Following last week's ap- peal all the missing numbers but seven were received at The Post. Special thanks go to Mrs. Culp who gave more than a dozen back copies. Five new traffic lights will be installed within the next month at intersections with Harveys Lake Highway in Dallas Borough. Lights were purchased from the Marble Light Co. of New York City at a cost of $432.99. Installation will be in addition. 40 Years Ago - March 30, 1956 LEHMAN REFUSES BIG SCHOOL JOINTURE ‘Thrown back upon a 5-way join- ture by the LehmandJackson-Ross joint board, which closed the door to a 10-way jointure, School Di- rectors from Dallas-Franklin- Monroe and Dallas Borough and Kingston Township met Tuesday evening to read proposed articles of agreement. Leaving controver- sial paragraphs to the last, the boards swiftly agreed on routine articles concerning dates of meet- ings, election of officers, etc. The congregation of the Dallas United Methodist Church ap- proved by more than two thirds majority a $129,000 expansion project presented toit by the Build- ing Committee, Sunday morning. Overwhelming approval of the ex- pansion plans is an indication of the faith which the congregation has in the church and the com- munity. You could get - Ready to eat whole hams, 55¢ 1b.; turkeys, 53¢ Ib.; eggs, doz. 61¢; rye bread, 2 lvs. 29¢; Cranberry sauce, 2 16- oz. cans 39¢. 30 Years Ago - March 30, 1966 FIRE DESTROYS MOTOR AT WILSON'S SAWMILL Threatening an entire sawmill, fire engulfed a gasoline motor at Wilson's Sawmill, Lake Catalpa, Thursday evening and destroyed it before being quelled. Dr. Hew M. Laing Fire Co. assisted by Hat: S. Smith Co. of Kunkle contained™ the blaze. Damage was estimated al $6,000. i gR Dallas, PA Wednesday, March 27, 1996 De Fi The east side bank borderifig Kingston Township's Municipal® - Building, will be beautified this spring by TrucksvilleJr. Girl Scolut +; Troop. Girls will plant clumps of cover, myrtle Jand mountain pinks to beautify the landscape. This will aid them in fulfilling requirements, wo including pachysandra,*’ Xs for a service project leading to- WA ward credits for Sign of the Star > and Sign of the Arrow badges and ' broaden their aspect in scouting. 20 Years Ago - April 1,1976' 4 AREA BIKE RIDEWILL BENEFIT LUZARC i More than 100 Dallas Rotarians” and Rotary Anns gathered to cel- 5 ebrate the 49th anniversary of the chartering of the club last Thurs- : MN day at Irem Temple Country Club. The evening featured a buffet din- ner and entertainment by a bar-. Vr bershop quartet known as Tag, ., Masters. Dallas Junior Women's Club, announced the route for the third annual Bike Hike for Retarded Citizens, which will take place’ April 25. Riders of all ages are b§ 5 urged to participate in the hike ' which benefits the retarded citi; zens of Pennsylvania Luzerne i: County Association for Retarded 2 Citizens. Luzarc will receive 75%; ; a of the funds raised and the resi, maining 25% going to the Penn- sylvania Association for Retarded | Citizens PARC. Your could get - Sirloin A i $1.37 lb.; gr. beef, 79¢ lb.; Crisco Oil, 38-0z. bot., $1.29; Duncan. ’ Hines Cake Mixes 18 1/2-0z. 59¢;1 1+ Cheer, 49-0z. $1.39; Mrs. Js? 27d Pierogiesl1 Ib. pkg.. 69¢. a Meadows Nursing Center appreciates youth painters: Editor; The Meadows Nursing Center recently had the pleasure of hav- ing Dallas Senior High School art students, under the direction of Claire Morris, visit our center and paint “Think Spring” scenes on our windows. Daffodil Days was a resounding success Editor; A most sincere and deserved thank-you to the people of Luzerne County for their heartfelt support to volunteerism during this year's Daffodil Campaign, sponsored by the American Cancer Society. This year’s fundraising drive was a total success as a result of the many adults and children who contributed their time and effort. These people served unselfishely as committee mem- bers, contact people, school dis- The students did a fastastic job, and residents, stalf, visitors and volunteers are enjoying the many butterflies, bunnies, flow- ers, etc. After such a long winter it's a real morale booster [or all of us. tributors, wrappers, drivers, busi- ness contacts and sponsors. Daffodils, the Flower of Hope, were displayed and purchased throughout the county by sup- porters of this cause. The money raised will not only benefit cancer research, but will directly benefit Luzerne County residents through distribution to needy cancer victims. Thank you for your continued support of this worthy cause. Your efforts as individuals and a com- fi Credit where credit is due - we salute you for Your creativity and time! ai Marilyn Gregorski, volunteer director The Meadows Nursing Center CR ¥ | 1g J Vv munity will help eradicate this disease. We all look forward to anoltisl. ” successful Daffodil campaign, _ made possible by the caring resi: L193) 0) . a a a RS eri x) ¥14 dents of Luzerne County, in 1097" in our fight against cancer. i LS $4 Kathryn Hofherr, Daffodil * chairperson ', ’ Bernadette Martin, co;1 - chairperson Wyoming Valley Unit American Cancer Society Ye » ig *Senior Accounts Welcome. 5 In The Market | For ANew | Check With | Franklin First! | — Subsidiary of ONBANCorp, Inc. Member FDIC One Day We'll Be YOUR Bank 1-800-262-1210 (717) 821-7100 { ) 1 Bor rm Te AD Ie A
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers